Women

Now for the ladies, a good rule of thumb is to keep things professional and conservative. There are endless variations of women’s dress clothing requiring you to pay attention to what is appropriate and not. The key is balance and simplicity. Remember, the way you dress represents you and the the company you could be working for in the future.

Dress

Women can’t go wrong with a classic, well fitted dress. A few rules to live by: it shouldn’t be any shorter than 2 inches above the knee, no cleavage and always choose a dress with straps. It’s best to gravitate towards neutral clothing, especially dark tones. A bright pink dress is likely too distracting for the interviewer! A notable component to consider is the quality of the dress; avoid cotton that is worn out and stick with a thicker, higher quality fabric. See image 1.1 for a sample of unprofessional material, specifically in the skirt. It’s also recommended to wear pantyhose under the dress to avoid showing too much skin. As with all your business wear, don’t be caught with wrinkly clothing!

Skirt

Business skirts have very similar rules to those of a dress for the length, material and colors. See image 1.1 for what skirt NOT to wear; notice the short length and bunching effect happening. Your safest bet is going with a well fitted (not too tight) pencil skirt. An A-line skirt is also an acceptable style, as long it doesn’t flare too much, hits at the correct spot for your waistline and is knee length. High-waisted has the most professional fit, and clean finish.

Pants

The standard business professional pant is a pair of slacks. This doesn’t mean leggings that could pull off for slacks or even dark black jeans (yes, I’ve tried to get away with this). High-waisted slacks are flattering for a variety of body types and add a modern touch to the outfit. Black, tan or navy are all acceptable colors, however black slacks are always a good idea. Images 1.2 & 1.4 show examples of well fitted, mid rise slacks purchased from Black and White (1.2).

WHAT TO WEAR - Image 1.2 (above)

Blouse

There are a few different materials to choose from for your blouse: a cotton blend, silk or rayon top. Avoid distracting patterns, but don’t be scared of a pop of color, especially if you’re wearing a black suit. Just be cautious to coordinate the shirt color with your suit. As always, make sure you’re properly covered with leaving at maximum two buttons open and no plunging necklines. It’s safest to button your shirt all the way up, assuming the shirt fits correctly by being able to comfortably fasten all front buttons. See image 1.1 for an example of a blouse that is buttoned too low and is not properly ironed. Image 1.3 represents an ill-fitted shirt due to the way it’s tied in front. It’s best to evenly tuck in your blouse to avoid any wrinkles (see image 1.2).

Shoes

Business professional shoes are pretty simple for women; heals or flats, and nothing in between! They should be preferably closed toed and in good condition with no scuffs or scratches. Black and nude are your best options for color, however, with a plain outfit, a pop of color in your pump can add a fun twist. Just don’t go crazy with a legally blonde sparkly pink shoe! The heel should range from 2-4 inches in height. For the style, think comfort, and don’t wear anything like the shoes pictured in images 1.3 & 1.1. These are more of going out shoes which are both uncomfortable and too loud for work. A pointed toe leather heel like the one in images 1.2 & 1.4 is a perfect combination of simplicity and professionalism, completing the all black look.

Blazer

The blazer is all about the fit! Find a blazer that comfortably fits so you can easily fasten all buttons without a lot of extra room when the blazer is fastened. “The sleeves should end at your wrist without going over your hands.” Dark tones like black, grey or navy look smart with a matching color for your slacks. See images 1.2 & 1.4 for examples of appropriate blazers. Always wear a blazer for a complete business professional look!

Accessories

WHAT TO WEAR - Image 1.4 (above)

Less. Is. More. For jewelry, stick with a limited amount including a simple necklace, watch, earrings and/or a ring. “Keep the ring count down to one per hand.” Image 1.4 above shows an excellent example of tasteful jewelry with a simple necklace and watch. Statement pieces are gaining in popularity, but you have to choose carefully. If you wear a statement necklace or earrings, eliminate another category so the focus remains on the statement piece. Make sure they are not a distraction and don’t make sounds when moving. As a rule of thumb, no jewelry is better than cheap jewelry. Sterling silver, gold or pearls are appropriate materials. See image 1.1 for an example of a statement piece that looks too low of quality to wear to an interview. Her earrings on the other hand would make for a great statement piece paired with a simple necklace!

A woman's purse should be small and simple, matching the slacks and blazer. You can never go wrong with black leather at a small to medium size. Your handbag should have structure, avoiding any type of canvas tote. Again, if you’re applying for a job in fashion or design, a fashion purse with a pop of color is absolutely appropriate.

Perfume

It’s best if you don’t wear perfume as many people are sensitive or allergic to strong smells. It can be hard to choose a scent your interviewer is guaranteed to like. Just don’t forget deodorant!

Hair/Makeup

Again, less is more. Hair should be in a tight bun, low-medium ponytail, or down either in loose curls or sleek and straight. All looks should be neat and tidy, out of your face and without scrunchies or hair clips.

With makeup, you’ll want to consider the other components of your look. If you decide to dress up your hair or wear a statement purse, tone down the makeup. It’s all a balance and you have to decide which part of your look you choose to highlight. As a general rule, keep the look simple while emphasizing your natural features. That being said, a colored lip is acceptable as long as it’s not a bright/shimmery red or pink. Always choose a warm neutral color scheme for your eyeshadow. Save yourself time in the morning by sticking with the basics!

Shop At

Banana Republic, Ann Taylor, Black and White, Nordstrom, Barneys, J. Crew, Express, Theory, Bloomingdale’s, Bergdorf Goodman, Brooks Brothers, or H & M

Now you know the do’s and don'ts for a professional interview outfit - time to rock your next interview!

What to wear & what not to wear

in a job interview